Zurich Insurance missed profit expectations in the fourth quarter due to restructuring charges, and said the total cost of an overhaul of its business would be about $600 million - the upper end of its forecast range.

Bermuda-based insurer Catlin Group Ltd reported a 27% rise in full-year profit as it wrote more premiums and paid out less in disaster claims, and said it was optimistic amid industry warnings of a difficult 2014.

In a large barn smelling faintly of horses, President Barack Obama signed the $956 billion farm bill into law on Friday, comparing the five-year law to "a Swiss Army knife" because of the variety of ways it can support jobs in America.

In a large barn smelling faintly of horses, President Barack Obama signed the $956 billion farm bill into law on Friday, comparing the five-year law to "a Swiss Army knife" because of the variety of ways it can support jobs in America.

CNA Financial Corp said it would sell its life and group insurance business, on the same day that parent Loews Corp reported a bigger quarterly loss, hurt by impairment charges.

CNA Financial Corp said it would sell its life and group insurance business, on the same day that parent Loews Corp reported a bigger quarterly loss, hurt by impairment charges.

Germany's Hannover Re stuck by its aim of earning around $1.15 billion in net profit this year after securing acceptable margins on reinsurance contracts it renewed with insurance companies in January.

Insurer and reinsurer Beazley Plc reported a 25% jump in full-year profit and said it expects premiums written to grow in the mid-single digits in 2014.